05/05/2026
For the small township of Batlow, the month of May during WW1 was probably the toughest with seven of the seventeen men lost losing their lives over a three year period.
They included Thomas Connelly 4 May 1915, Arthur Rosenthall 29 May 1915, Robert Currie and John Hartnett 3 May 1917 , Perc Taylor 4 May 1917 and Arthur Quarmby 1 May 1918.
The other man, Arthur Ford was killed in action on this day 110 years ago, 5 May 1916.
Having just arrived on the Western Front Arthur was in the line near Armentieres, a supposedly quiet area when the German forces opposite launched a trench raid, the result was the loss of 23 Australians, Arthur among them, they being among the first Australians to lose their lives on the Western Front.
But before Arthur went to war he was the school teacher at Peel's Creek west of Batlow. Originally from Parkes, Arthur was involved in recruiting local men for service and he was also struggling with a decision that his father had made about him joining up. Arthur wrote a letter to his dad on the 28th August 1915, after his passing it was printed in the local papers.
Dear Father
Yours to hand by todays mail. I am very sorry indeed that you should see the matter in the light which you do. Last year I could quite see your point of view but now things have come to such a pass that every man who can go is absolutely needed. A year ago, it was a mere matter of sentiment, of giving the old country a hand, but now it is a case not only of duty but of necessity for the sake of our own country. You must see that. Do you think I could remain here, inactive, and see the other men going to fight to protect me and others like me and keep us here in nice comfortable billets? Would it be honourable? I should consider it a disgrace upon my name, and I know very well that if you were younger you would be among the first to go. Would you have me called a shirker?
In myself I'd rather be shot.
I have excuses for not going if necessary. I have been recalled once. I'm wanted here as a teacher and as a recruiting officer, but I am wanted much more over there. Do not think I am going for pleasure, as I have a fair idea of what to expect over there. The fellows who come back unhurt will be very lucky. I've got a splendid little school here near Batlow and I like the people, also I have been promoted this year. Still it is no time to consider that, and if I had £1,000.00 a year I have enough faith in myself to feel sure that I would go just the same. You and Mother feel it very much I know, but you have two sons and isn't it up to you to spare one of us? I sincerely hope that you will reconsider your decision and remove your objections for although it cannot alter my determination to do my duty as far as I am able, I will feel much easier in my mind if you will do so.
Trusting to hear from you again,
Your affectionate son.
Arthur.
There was no reply printed from Arthur's father.
After his death on the 5th May 1916, Arthur Ford, along with his 22 mates were buried in the Brewery Orchard Cemetery, Bois Grenier, France. Today it's a beautiful, peaceful place.
For Arthur's headstone his parents chose the following epitaph for their son
IN MEMORY OF THE DEAR BELOVED SON OF
G & C FORD OF PARKES NSW.
